Jeff Simmons says he is determined to honour the memory of the late Paul Dana when he steps in the #17 Team Ethanol entry for the first time as the IRL heads to Japan for the third round of the year at Twin Ring Motegi. source: crash.net Simmons, who will be making his third IRL start this weekend, will look to carry on the work that Dana started with the ethanol industry before he lost his life in accident prior to the opening round of the year at Homestead - although the former Indy Pro Series racer admits the circumstances surrounding his full-time promotion to the IRL are far from ideal. "These are not the circumstances that I would like this opportunity to come about, but Paul had the same dreams as me," he said. "Like him, this is what I've worked so long for. I just want to do my very best to promote the cause that Paul worked so hard for and do the best job I can in the car for Team Ethanol. "Driving for a team like Rahal Letterman is every young driver's dream. I know Paul was thrilled to get the chance to race for this team. He had worked so hard to make it to a first class operation and his dream was cut short. I am elated to receive the opportunity to drive on this team and also continue the program that Paul started. I am honoured to have the opportunity to promote the message and need for the clean, renewable fuel ethanol and to become a member of Rahal Letterman Racing." "I have never been to Japan and the Motegi track," he said. "But the Rahal Letterman Racing has a lot of experience and success at the track. Kenny Brack won there [in 2001] and finished second a couple of times and Danica nearly won the pole last year in her first appearance. I know Buddy is very fast there so I am hoping to use their knowledge of the track in my first appearance." Team co-owner Bobby Rahal said he feels that Simmons has the talent to succeed in the IndyCar Series and will also emerge as a strong ambassador for the ethanol cause. "Jeff is a driver I think has a great deal of potential and a very bright future," he said. "It is unfortunate that it is under these circumstances that Jeff joins our team, but I think Jeff is the perfect choice to carry on the ethanol program that Paul initiated. Jeff has paid his dues and worked his way up through the ladder system. The complete article here at Crash.net
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